Spend 5 days exploring some of the most beautiful national parks in America. With this package, guests will visit all (“Mighty”) five of Utah’s national parks, including Canyonlands, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef.
5 Days
Activity Level: Moderate
2-8 People
Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum
After we pick you up from Salt Lake City International Airport, we will start the tour at the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here, you can discover what life was like when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. View real dinosaur bones, full-body dinosaur mounts, and even some items from the Fremont people and mammal skeletons from the Ice Age.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park offers a unique view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will tell you the unusual story of how this park got its name.
Canyonlands National Park
This national park is made of three main districts: The Maze, The Needles, and Island in the Sky. For this tour, we will be exploring the Island in the Sky district, known for its rock climbing locations and stargazing sites. Island in the Sky allows you to overlook places in the valley, such as the Colorado River, from atop high canyons.
Moab
Here sits the town between to two national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. With many attractions in the area, you will be able to walk downtown to check out shops and restaurants before going to your hotel to prepare for the next day.
Arches National Park
We will start the morning going to Arches National Park, widely known for having over 2,000 natural stone arches. Check out Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and many more. This is a national park you sure won't want to miss!
Potash Road
After visiting Arches, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to see Potash Road. Located right outside of Moab, this road winds along the Colorado river with water on one side, and a huge rock cliff on the other. Along this road, your tour guide will show you ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks, as well as additional arches that can be accessed by foot.
Moab
After returning to Moab from your visit to Arches National Park, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the area on your own (please note: these activities are not included in the tour price). Moab offers plenty of exciting options, such as river rafting, speed boating, or even taking a scenic helicopter ride. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can explore the town, go for a hike, or just enjoy the local atmosphere.
Goblin Valley State Park
The “goblins” in Goblin Valley get their name from the thousands of unique hoodoos, or columns of weathered stone, that dot its surface. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk up close to the hoodoos and take pictures. If time permits, your tour guide will take you on a hike to Goblins Lair, an incredibly tall cave.
Capitol Reef National Park
This national park is known for its white domes and its Waterpocket Fold, a large geologic fold of stone that runs for almost 100 miles. This fold is also known as a "wrinkle on the Earth" as that is essentially what happened, the earth's tectonic plates buckled the earth's surface. This area is also popular for its Fremont influence, as pictographs and artifacts are commonly found here. We will also explore the remnants of Fruita and if we are lucky, may even be able to taste some fruit from the orchards.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Route 12 is known as one of the most scenic roads in the US. This 124-mile highway cuts through steep sandstone canyons and narrow winding roads, offering incredible views that are a must see amongst visitors. In addition, multiple national and state parks dot this road, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
The 1.88 million acres of land that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is considered some of the most remote in the US. Although we won’t be stopping, you’ll be able to appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.
Bryce Canyon National Park:
From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression on you. This park features many incredible, easily accessible viewpoints that provide excellent locations that offer excellent opportunities for photography. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will take you down into the canyon along the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden Trail, passing through breathtaking rock formations that took thousands of years to shape.
Horseshoe Bend
Experience one of the Southwest’s most iconic natural wonders. A short, scenic walk (approximately 1.5 miles round-trip) leads you to the stunning overlook of Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree curve through the vibrant red sandstone cliffs. From the edge of the overlook, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos of this geological marvel, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. Your guide will share insights into the area's geology, history, and cultural significance, making this stop both visually spectacular and enriching. Accessibility Note: The trail is not fully wheelchair accessible, but those with limited mobility may still be able to enjoy parts of the path with assistance. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and prepare for sun exposure.
Kanab
After that, we’ll head to Kanab. Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Kanab has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. While in Kanab, you will see the alluring Pink Coral Sand Dunes and the impressive Moqui Sand Caves.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hikes along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who would rather stay in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For amateur hikers, you’ll enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For experienced hikers, you’ll have the choice to hike to either through the Narrows, or up to Angel's Landing.
Salt Lake City
If you choose to depart from Salt Lake City, your tour guide will drop you off either at the airport or a hotel of your choosing. Settled in 1847 by a group of pioneering Mormons, Salt Lake City has blossomed into the vibrant capital of Utah and gateway to the west. If time permits, your tour guide will take you to see the twin hearts of this city: Temple Square and the Capitol Building.
Las Vegas
We will drop you off at the airport or hotel of your choosing.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn, or similar quality hotel
Meal arrangement: Breakfast Included
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
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